Neonian Baptistery

Neonian Baptistery

Neonian Baptistery with flowers

Neonian Baptistery - Midnight Hetoimasia. Detail

Neonian Baptistery - Interior

Neonian Baptistery - Roman Baptismal Font

Neonian Baptistery - Detail of the Baptism

Neonian Baptistery - Detail of the dome

Neonian Baptistery - Mosaic detail

Neonian Baptistery - Purple Swamphen

Neonian Baptistery - Concert

The Neonian Baptistery is one of the most ancient monuments of the city of Ravenna. It was commissioned by Bishop Urso and probably built at the beginning of the 5th century like the nearby cathedral. During the episcopacy of Neon (450 - 475), the baptistery underwent many restoration works that ended with the reconstruction of the cupola and the realization of the interior decoration, still present today.

The brick building is octagonal in shape and has four big external niches. On every side, rounded windows and underground doors open to the inside of the church.

The interior of the baptistery consists of two rows of arches put one above the other. Its decoration is divided into three tiers, the lower one covered with marble pieces, the middle one with stucco-works, while the upper section is adorned with mosaics of Hellenic-Roman influence. At the centre of the dome, a big medallion frames the Baptism of Christ, depicted as a young man immersed to the hips in the sheer waters of the river Jordan. This is one of the oldest mosaic scenes of the Baptism of Christ housed inside a monumental building. The images of the twelve Apostles, divided into two groups led by Saint Peter and Paul, revolve around the central medallion, standing out against a blue background. A second ring shows eight exedrae that cover thrones and altars and symbolize the concept of heavenly city and the spread of the Christian doctrine.

In the middle of the building, an octagonal font of Greek marble and porphyry rebuilt in the 16th century still preserves some of its original elements from the 5th century.

In the early 20th century, Carl Gustav Jung, one of the founders of psychoanalysis, was particularly impressed by the magic of these decorations.

Opening hours

From November: every day 10am - 5pm.Last admittance: 15 minutes before closing time

Closing days

The Baptistery is closed on December 25th and 1st January.

Entrance fee

Ticket: 9.50€Reduced ticket: 8.50€*

The ticket includes the entry to Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia,** and Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel

* Valid for Italian and foreign students during the school year; valid for organizations with special agreements (see details). ** From March 1st to June 15th, an additional charge of 2€ applies to the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Mandatory booking for groups.

Free of charge

Children up to 10 years, citizens of Ravenna, disabled people and carers*, ecclesiastics, soldiers, journalists (with document). For groups: 1 free tour leader every 20 paying visitors. For schools: 1 freeteacher every 10 paying students.

Accessibility

The Baptistery is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The Baptistery is situated in the controlled traffic zone of the city centre. Bus stop 200m away (all routes), car park 50m away. Close to the Cathedral, Archiepiscopal Museum and Archiepiscopal Chapel.